From the Command Sergeant Major

While writing this article, my tenure as the 108th Training Command (IET) command sergeant major (CSM) is just about complete.

This is the time to say goodbye to all the 108th Training Command Soldiers.

I want to thank all the CSMs, NCOs, Soldiers, Officers, and Army civilians of the 108th Training Command, the 95th, 98th and the 104th Divisions for their cooperation and hard work on several accomplishments over the last few years. Among these accomplishments: the 108th Training Command was granted an exception to policy for E-4’s to attend the U.S. Army Drill Sergeant School (USADSS) and to be promoted to E-5. This involved a couple of years of hard work by the 108th G-1 section with Mr. Rick Cornellier and Mr. Peter Stewart leading the way. The 108th Training Command was also granted an exception to policy for the promotion of E-6 combat arms Soldiers to E-7 as long as they were Drill Sergeant qualified. Again, the 108th Training Command G-1 section led the way.

Finally, the effort given in making the USADSS the first and best school in the Army’s one school system. We provided the USADSS with fourteen TPU Drill Sergeant Leaders, eight AGR Drill Sergeant Leaders, the AGR staff, and the Deputy Commandant.

I want to thank the leaders that I had the opportunity to work with over the last few years. These leaders include Lt. Col. Abner, Col. Stenzel, Col. Cavender, Brig. Gen. Ray Royalty, Brig. Gen. Daniel Christian, Maj. Gen. Catalanotti (Iraq), Maj. Gen. James Mallory (Afghanistan), Maj. Gen. Robert Stall (108th TC), and Maj. Gen. Leslie Purser (108th TC). Each contributed to my success in the Army and gave me the guidance needed to perform my duties as the 108th CSM. It was an honor to work with each of these commanders.

I’ve been blessed over the years with some great NCO mentors, Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Flatt, Command Sgt. Maj. Ray Lackey, Master Sgt. Leonard Gaskins, Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Riti, Command Sgt. Maj. Milton Newsome, and Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Schultz. They have always pushed and pulled me in the right direction, and all of you that know me well know that I’ve needed that a time or two.

A special thanks goes to Sgt. 1st Class Denver Scaggs for making sure I got where I needed to go, his dedication to his job and his friendship along the way.

I also want to thank my close friends in the Army and the comrades that I served with in Iraq and Afghanistan for their help and friendship over these many years. I know that I would not be where I am if it had not been for their hard work and courage to accomplish the mission no matter where we were. I’ve had a great support group along my journey and I appreciate each and every one of you.

Last but not least, I want to thank my Family. A Soldier’s dedication to the Army often takes him or her away from their Family or interrupts daily Family life. I could not have performed my job for the 108th Training Command in the way I did if not for the support of my wife, Connie, and my children, Jason Lilly, Christina and Lance DeRezza. They allowed me to be the Soldier that I am by giving me the opportunity to dedicate my time to the Soldiers of the 108th Training Command.

It’s been an honor to serve as the command sergeant major of the 108th Training Command. I have enjoyed my stay and as I leave I ask that you give the incoming command sergeant major the same support I have received over the last three years. I also ask that you continue to give your support to Maj. Gen. Leslie Purser as she is doing great things for this organization.